RCCG logo City of Praise
DAILY WORD · KING JAMES VERSION

A daily rhythm of Scripture and prayer.

Read carefully. Reflect honestly. Put God’s Word into practice, one day at a time.

Open Heavens

Begin your day with Pastor E. A. Adeboye

For the daily Open Heavens devotional, use the publisher’s official app. Read the day’s message, reflect on Scripture, and carry its lesson into your day.

Get the official Open Heavens app

The Scripture, reflection and prayer below are City of Praise readings, separate from Open Heavens.

Sunday, November 1, 2026

City of Praise reflection

Gratitude and worship — Ezra 3:9-13

Gratitude and worship

Today’s Scripture: Ezra 3:9-13 (KJV)

  1. Then stood Jeshua with his sons and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, together, to set forward the workmen in the house of God: the sons of Henadad, with their sons and their brethren the Levites.
  2. And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the Lord, after the ordinance of David king of Israel.
  3. And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.
  4. But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy:
  5. So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off.
Read the full chapter in KJV ↗

Guided reflection

Read Ezra 3:9-13 slowly, then read the surrounding chapter. Follow the people, choices and consequences in the narrative. A recorded action is not automatically an example to imitate; consider how it relates to God’s faithfulness and justice. Attend especially to Ezra 3:11: “And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.” Observe: Who is speaking or acting, and what changes across these verses? Identify a word, action or contrast in Ezra 3:9-13 that helps you explain the passage in your own words. Reflect: Which reason for gratitude comes from the text itself, even if your circumstances are difficult? Ground your answer in Ezra 3:11 and its surrounding verses. If the connection to this month’s theme is indirect, let the passage’s own meaning lead. Respond: Thank God for something specific and express appreciation to someone who has served you. Write one sentence explaining how your response follows from Ezra 3:9-13, and return to it this evening.

Put the Word into practice

Choose one truth from today’s passage. Write down one practical step you can take today, then ask God for grace to follow through.

Today’s prayer

Father, as I consider Ezra 3:11, form a grateful and worshipful heart in me. Let the truth of this passage correct my assumptions and shape my response today. Help me practise what is faithful to Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Part of our Scripture-led study plan. Read the passage in context and use the prompts for personal reflection.

Your next step is closer than you think.

Find support, community, and a place to grow at City of Praise.